US VIRGIN ISLANDS — In a heartfelt ceremony at Lockhart K-8 School, Governor Albert Bryan Jr., tourism leaders, cruise industry representatives, education officials, parents, and educators gathered to honor four exceptional Virgin Island students who triumphed in the international essay competition hosted by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).
The event celebrated the accomplishments of Rachell Guzman Ramirez, the First Place winner in the Senior Division; Tyler Ian Antonio Chung, the Second Place winner in the Junior Division; as well as Senior Division participant Nafiah Yarborough and Junior Division participant J’Quan Walwyn.
Governor Bryan commended the students, emphasizing their significant role as ambassadors for the Virgin Islands. “Our winners represented us to the world. You are a big deal, and it’s important we support you every step of the way,” said Governor Bryan.
Lockhart K-8 Principal Merlene Jones also praised the students, acknowledging the partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism for providing an invaluable platform for students to showcase their writing talents.
FCCA Chief Executive Officer Michele M. Paige shared that the students’ essays were judged the best across the Caribbean, Central America, 30 U.S. states, and Mexico. In recognition of their achievements, Paige presented Lockhart K-8 School with a $10,000 check and announced that FCCA would fund a celebration in honor of the students’ success.
In addition to the awards, Rachell and Tyler received laptops, while the Office of the Governor presented checks of $750 to the First Place winners and $250 to the other participants.
Remarks by Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington, and Insular Superintendent Stefan Jurgen underscored the pride in the students’ essays, which highlighted what makes the Virgin Islands so special.
“You can come from somewhere small and do big things,” said an enthusiastic Jurgen, as he expressed his admiration for the students’ accomplishments.
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